Chrysler 200

2011 Chrysler 200

The name "200" from Chrysler comes from the Chrysler 200C concept car that was once cancelled by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne because it was unfit for the company. Although Fiat cancels the production of the 200C hybrid, the name "200" lives on as the new Chrysler 200, a new medium sedan that replaces the awkward-looking Chrysler Sebring.

In contrast of being Chrysler's new model, the 200 is just a revision of the Sebring, henceforth that this is the Sebring's minor change model. The Chrysler 200 is the first to wear the new Chrysler logo and the new trademark grille that provides a sense of style. The side view of the 200 remains its Sebring look, meaning to say that this is a minor change, the 200 is actually a new model in general. In the rear view, the Chrysler 200 looks more like a Buick Regal, so in chemistry; the Chrysler 200 is like a mixture of the Kia K7/Cadenza, the outdated Sebring, and the Opel Insignia/Buick Regal. Wasn't that obvious to see how the Chrysler 200 looks like? On the interior, this is somewhat more of an updated version of the Chrysler Sebring, keeping this medium sedan updated to be more premium than being a blah-only medium sedan.

The only engine available for the Chrysler 200 as of press time is the 2.4-Liter I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine that produces a power output of 175 PS. Depending on the variant, the 2.4L variant comes with either a 4-speed AT or a 6-speed AT. A 4-speed AT can be enough but for those looking for more fun-to-drive, a 6-speed AT is necessary. The new Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine that produces 287 PS may soon follow.

My thoughts about the 200:
Despite being branded as the minor change model of the Sebring, the new Chrysler 200 is the debutante in the new Chrysler brand, following with the new 300, the Town and Country/Grand Voyager minor change, It will also come to Europe under the Lancia badge. I strongly believe that the new Chrysler 200 will regain Chrysler's strength and most people would go for it. Word from it that there will be a 200 Convertible coming soon and serve as the replacement for the Sebring Convertible. The Chrysler 200 choses the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Inspire and Accord Euro, Subaru Legacy B4, Volkswagen Passat, Kia K5/Optima, and the Hyundai YF Sonata as the main opponents.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.